NRCA Thermoplastic study plan

Map the full thermoplastic membrane family tree (TPO, PVC, CPA, EPDM-adjacent hybrids) and write a one-page comparison of polymer chemistry, reinforcement types, and where each is specified

Define every term you will meet on the exam (scrim, fleece-back, plastisol, ketone-based cleaner, hot-air weld, probe test) in your own words without copying a glossary

Sketch a typical single-ply assembly from deck to cap sheet, labeling membrane, insulation, cover board, and attachment method at each layer

List the five most common thermoplastic membrane thicknesses and the ASTM test methods that govern thickness, breaking strength, and tear resistance

Sequence the installation workflow from substrate acceptance through final inspection, and justify why each step precedes the next

Identify the substrate conditions (moisture content, surface profile, fastener withdrawal) that must be verified before membrane is unrolled

Compare mechanically attached, adhered, and ballasted attachment strategies and state the wind-uplift rationale for each

Explain how insulation type and thickness selection interacts with membrane attachment and fastener length

Describe correct membrane unrolling, relaxation, and acclimation practice and the defects that occur when it is skipped

Outline seam preparation: cleaning agents, solvents, splice overlap dimensions, and the effect of surface contamination on weldability

Differentiate hot-air welding, solvent welding, and adhesive splicing by equipment, technique, and appropriate use case

Identify flashing details for walls, curbs, drains, and penetrations, and explain the termination and counterflashing logic

Explain how weld parameters (temperature, speed, roller pressure, nozzle gap) interact, and predict the failure mode when each is out of range

Describe destructive seam testing: probe and peel methods, frequency, sampling location, and what a passing versus failing weld looks like

State the purpose and limits of non-destructive seam evaluation methods and when they cannot replace destructive testing

Connect installation technique choices from Weeks 1-3 to the performance outcomes they determine

Explain the wind-uplift load path from membrane through attachment to deck and where each component is most likely to fail

Compare the roles of field, perimeter, and corner zones and how attachment density changes across them

Describe how roof slope, building height, and edge configuration influence edge-metal and perimeter securement

Identify common perimeter and edge-metal installation errors that lead to blow-off or water infiltration

Diagnose the causes and repair approaches for ponding water, and distinguish design-related from installation-related ponding

Explain moisture migration, condensation, and vapor retarder placement in thermoplastic assemblies and the symptoms of each failure

Describe how membrane chemistry and plasticizer or additive loss affect long-term weathering, and what field evidence of degradation looks like

Outline repair procedures for punctures, seam failures, hail damage, and flashings, including when repair is not appropriate

Work through code and standard requirements for thermoplastic systems, including uplift resistance, fire classification, and impact resistance

Explain the role of manufacturer specifications versus project specifications when they conflict

Practice translating a written specification into an installation checklist and flag any ambiguous clauses

Review quality-control and inspection hold points across the whole installation, from deck to final walk

Complete timed practice sets weighted 50/50 across both domains and record your accuracy per domain

Re-drill every missed item by writing the underlying principle, not just the correct answer

Recite from memory the seam-testing, attachment, and flashing facts you are most likely to be tested on

Build a final one-page 'weak spots' sheet and schedule a review pass for the day before the exam